Obama requests $263 million from Congress for police training, body cameras

President Barack Obama requested $263 million from Congress on Monday to go toward body cameras and training for police officers, Reuters reports. The proposal comes in response to civil rights protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after a police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager in August.

Over three years, the money would help purchase 50,000 body cameras. Monitoring police on duty could provide more information about what occurs during situations like Brown's encounter with officer Darren Wilson, where witnesses dispute many details.

The White House announced the funding request as Obama met with civil rights leaders, elected officials, and community leaders to discuss Ferguson backlash. Obama will also set up a task force to examine how to improve modern-day policing.

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